What Little Things Enchant Your Children?

Cup of Jo has been running for 13 years (!) so we’ve decided that every week, we’ll be highlighting one of the most popular posts from the past. Here’s one of our favorites, originally published on June 26, 2017…

One of the best parts of parenting is seeing the world through a child’s eyes, don’t you think? The world feels so magical. It’s not just a city block with buildings; it’s an ant hill, a taxi, A TEENAGER. I’ve been a parent for more than seven years, and it never gets old. Here are a few things my boys find thrilling these days…

Getting letters in the mailHalf birthdaysCatsWhen the moon is out during the daytimeAnytime the doorbell ringsPhotos of themselvesWhen trees are still dripping after it rainsAnytime they get to sleep in our bedHigh fivesMango lassisMommy tracing letters on their backsWhen Daddy swats fliesPajama day at schoolWhen the flight attendant who gave them cookies was also NAMED COOKIE

It’s funny because you don’t always know exactly whether something will enchant them or irritate them. Sometimes it’s almost the same thing: haircuts on someone else (good) vs. haircuts on themselves (bad); stepping in a puddle (good) vs. stepping in a puddle unexpectedly (very bad).

My sister-in-law wrote this on Facebook the other day:Things that J. (3 years old) had a level 10 tantrum about in the last week:1) His banana broke and I couldn’t fix it.2) He wanted a bed he saw in his dream.3) I wore a scarf to work.